Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the alleged harassment suffered by Mr X and his family as the police are the appropriate organisation to consider the matter.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains he and his family are being harassed by certain individuals which makes him feel uneasy in his own home and is affecting his mental health.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

The Ombudsman investigates complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or may decide not to continue with an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6))

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How I considered this complaint

2. I considered information provided by the complainant and the Council.
3. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

4. Mr X says he and his family are being harassed by certain individuals. This includes the individuals driving on Mr X’s front lawn, calling him names, invading his family’s privacy, banging all-night and keeping his family awake.
5. The Council advised Mr X to contact the police as they are the agency that can prosecute individuals for harassment. We should not investigate as the police are the appropriate body to consider Mr X’s complaint.

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Final decision

6. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because the police are better placed to consider the matter.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman